OTORRHEA

Definition

Otorrhea is the discharge or leakage of fluid from the ear.

Types

1. Otorrhea due to external ear infection is called otorrhea externum.
2. Otorrhea due to middle ear infection is called otorrhea media.
3. Otorrhea due to inner ear infection is called otorrhea internum.

Aetiology

1. Infection: Bacterial or fungal infection of the external or middle ear.
2. Trauma: Head trauma or ear trauma may cause otorrhea.
3. Allergic reactions: Allergic reactions to ear drops or other substances.
4. Foreign body: Presence of a foreign body in the ear canal.
5. Eustachian tube dysfunction: Dysfunction of the Eustachian tube may cause otorrhea.

Clinical Features

1. Discharge or leakage of fluid from the ear.
2. Itching or discomfort in the ear.
3. Redness and swelling of the ear canal.
4. Foul smell from the ear.
5. Fever and chills.
6. Hearing loss.
7. Dizziness or vertigo.
8. Tinnitus.

Investigations

1. Otoscopy: Examination of the ear canal and eardrum with an otoscope.
2. Audiometry: Hearing test to assess hearing loss.
3. Imaging studies: CT or MRI scans to rule out other conditions.
4. Culture and sensitivity: Culture of the discharge to identify the causative organism.
5. Eustachian tube function test.

Complications

1. Meningitis: Spread of infection to the meninges.
2. Septicemia: Spread of infection to the bloodstream.
3. Hearing loss: Permanent hearing loss due to damage to the ear structures.
4. Facial nerve paralysis: Damage to the facial nerve.
5. Cholesteatoma formation: Formation of a skin cyst in the middle ear.

Management

1. Antibiotics: Administration of antibiotics to treat bacterial infections.
2. Ear drops: Use of ear drops to treat fungal infections.
3. Ear cleaning: Cleaning of the ear canal to remove debris and discharge.
4. Decongestants: Use of decongestants to relieve nasal congestion.
5. Pain relief: Use of pain relief medication to relieve ear pain.

Homoeopathic Remedies

1. Calendula: For external ear infections.
2. Mercurius: For fungal infections.
3. Silica: For ear infections with discharge.
4. Pulsatilla: For ear infections with a foul smell.
5. Chamomilla: For ear infections with itching and discomfort.

Blood Supply

The ear receives blood supply from the following arteries:

1. External auditory artery
2. Internal carotid artery
3. External carotid artery

Nerve Supply

The ear receives nerve supply from the following nerves:

1. Facial nerve
2. Auditory nerve
3. Vestibulocochlear nerve
4. Glossopharyngeal nerve

Clinical Anatomy

1. The ear is divided into three parts: external, middle, and internal.
2. The external ear consists of the pinna and ear canal.
3. The middle ear consists of the eardrum and ossicles.
4. The internal ear consists of the cochlea and vestibular apparatus.
5. The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx.